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Air Quality For Do It Yourselfers This DIY Basic, brought to you by 3M will provide tips on maintaining healthy air quality while completing DIY projects.

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D  WINDOWS MEDIA VIDEO Watch the Video

Remodeling projects can lower air quality. Here are some great tips for protecting the air you breathe.

• Sealing off work areas (figure A) will help keep particles out of the rest of the home.

• A high air-flow HVAC filter (figure B) installed in the air return before the project will help trap large particles in the air.

• A large window fan blowing out (figure C) can help remove other particles and gases.

• Ventilation should continue for 72 hours after the project is completed. At that point, dust and debris can be cleaned out of ductwork.

• Brushes and rags can be used to wipe the walls of the duct (figure D) and a vacuum can reach into the interior.

• Finally, installing a new, higher performing HVAC filter will help make your air cleaner.

• With a few simple precautions, you can breathe cleaner air during—and after—home improvement.
  

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• Assume that paint in a home built before 1978 contains lead; never expose family members, especially children to lead-based paint dust.

• Hire a professional to test your paint for lead.

• Use low-VOC paints to help reduce paint odors and seal paint cans tightly after use.

• For painting, a carbon layer respirator is recommended.

• For scraping or sanding, wear a particulate respirator.

• Use a brush attachment when vacuuming ducts and be careful not to damage the duct walls with the vacuum suction.

• If you want your ductwork cleaned entirely, hire a professional.

• Remove work clothing before entering living areas of home.
  





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